Mary Margaret Shaffer Karpowich, of Tampa, Fla., died Friday, Jan. 15, 2010, at the Pleasant View Retirement community in Manheim. Born on Dec. 5, 1961, in Bellefonte, she was a daughter of James D. and Virginia M. Keller Shaffer, of Manheim. She was a 1979 graduate of State College Area High School and a graduate of Penn State. She was of the Catholic faith. She was married to Thomas R. Karpowich, who survives.
Mary is also survived by her son, Philip Karpowich, of Tampa, Fla.; four sisters, Carol Shaffer, Linda V. Shaffer, and Wanda Shaffer, all of Alexandria, Va., and Marjorie Brackbill and her husband, Forrest, of Mechanicsburg; three brothers, George Shaffer, of Zion, James Shaffer and his wife, Lori, of Parker, Colo., and Paul Shaffer and his wife, Elizabeth, of Manheim; four nephews; and two nieces. She was predeceased by her brother-in-law, Stuart Spencer.
Mary was also known as "Stretch." She loved sports and played basketball for State College Area High School and Texas Christian University. She also coached high school basketball. Mary loved the outdoors, especially the beach. Mary was outgoing and loved her family and people. She never knew a stranger. Spaghetti, chocolate and cotton candy were some of her favorite foods. Mary relaxed by playing the piano and listening to music.
Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010, at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St. State College. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 820 Westerly Parkway, State College, with Msgr. David Lockard officiating. Burial will be in Centre County Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be made to Centre County PAWS, 1401 Trout Road, State College, PA 16801.